Airboat Photographer

06/02/2026

Good morning to all my amazing friends!

Today, let’s take a moment to celebrate the little guys. I decided to look back through my archives and highlight the small wonders that often go unnoticed. From pollinators to natural pest control, every creature has a role in our ecosystem. It’s all about balance—so before reaching for that can of bug spray or panicking with a shovel because you spotted a snake, pause and think. Are you really in danger, or just perceiving it? These critters want nothing to do with you; they’re simply trying to survive in a world changing faster than they can adapt, especially as more green spaces disappear each day.

This past winter was one of the coldest in Florida in years. Imagine being a hummingbird making the long, risky journey across the Gulf, only to find no flowers in bloom upon arrival. Exhausted and hungry, there’s no relief in sight. All I’m asking is to consider planting pollinator-friendly plants and cutting back on pesticides—small actions that can make a big difference for these vital, overlooked creatures.

"Don't wait for things to get better. Life will be complicated. Learn to be happy right now, otherwise you will run out of time."
Unknown author

05/27/2026

Happy Hump Day to all my wonderful friends! I hope you enjoyed a safe and fun holiday weekend!

This week, I decided to shift gears a bit and seek out the Sandhill Crane. I even got some close-up footage of my favorite Eagle—it's probably the same one that performed that amazing "Flag fly by." I can't say for sure, but I feel pretty confident it's her.

I also spotted a Sandhill Crane rummaging through the shallows, searching for food. I've seen this kind of behavior before, but this time, I thought it would be really neat to capture the water dripping off the bird's beak.
Thank you all for your continued praise and support! Here's to a productive summer!

"A person becomes 10 times more attractive, not by their looks, but by their acts of kindness, love, respect, honesty, and loyalty they show."
Unknown author

05/21/2026

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my awesome friends!

Whew, it's been a whirlwind the last few weeks. Between working and coordinating several photography shows, Florida plunged into the extreme heat of summer! 🥵
But nature keeps being nature.
Here are a couple of images I captured over the past few days.
First, as most of you are aware, I'm obsessed with Great Blue Herons and their ability to hunt and subdue some of the biggest Chain Pickerel I have ever seen. Some of my guests had the chance to witness this firsthand. And yes, the bird swallowed the fish whole! 🤯

With the heat setting in and water temps rising, the larger Alligators are opting to hide during the day. But the little ones are more than willing to cooperate. And as always, Momma isn't too far away.

So everyone, please have a safe and joyful Memorial Day. At some point during the weekend, please take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this weekend and say a silent prayer for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive."
Unknown author

05/05/2026

Good morning, all my amazing friends!

Only four days remain until the photography show reception at Studio ArtFarm Mount Dora! I'm thrilled to be honored by PJ with the chance to display my work in her gallery once more. In 2020, during the shutdown, Kathleen and I visited Mt. Dora, finally able to step out and enjoy human connection again. While exploring the town, we entered PJ's gallery, Studio ArtFarm Mount Dora. During that visit, I had a strong feeling that I would one day be featured there. About a year later, while displaying some photos at the Winter Garden Art Association SOBO gallery, I ran into PJ, who was admiring a piece I had on display. We started chatting, and it quickly became clear that many of our ideas and beliefs about nature and wildlife aligned.
Now, in 2026, I’m preparing for my next feature at Studio ArtFarm!

Anyway, the icebreaker image featured a Great Blue Heron with a large Chain Pickerel. That image is honestly one of my all-time best captures. I also had the opportunity to witness a similar interaction between two of nature's apex predators.

Two guest ambassador birds from The Avian Reconditioning Center for Birds of Prey will be making an appearance at my show, and I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity.
I hope you can stop by and say hello.

"You are the painter of your own mood. Your days are only as grey as you allow them to be."
Unknown author

05/01/2026

Good morning all you amazing friends.
Welcome to my insomnia post! 🫩

May and June are going to be some of the busiest months for me, but I truly see them as wonderful opportunities.
I'm so grateful to have been chosen as the featured artist at not just one, but two galleries! 🤯 I’ve already completed the "Load in" at Canon Coffee Apopka. A huge thank you to Melanie and Erin (ReThreads: foxy style) from Creative Hub of Apopka for their trust and support in making this possible. The reception will be on the fourteenth.

Next week, I’ll be doing the "load in" at Studio ArtFarm Mount Dora, with the reception happening on the eighth. A heartfelt thank you to PJ for your ongoing belief in me and for providing such an amazing space to share my passion for wildlife and to tell the stories of these critters.

I would love to see all of you there! And thanks so much for your continued support and kind words; they truly mean a lot to me!

"Life is a matter of perspective. There are many people who may know you, but there are a very few who understand who you are."
Unknown author

Artists Now Exhibiting at The Gallery at Canon Coffee John Ruggeri – Featured Artist Wildlife photographer and eco-tour guide, John Ruggeri captures the beauty of nature through his lens. His […]

04/29/2026

Good day to all my awesome friends!

During this week's work/play adventures, Momma Eagle decided to give my guests a treat. Momma was at the edge of the marsh, grabbing a quick refresher. We sat and enjoyed that moment when, out of the blue, we heard some commotion from her right side. Coming in hot were her two newly fledged Eaglets. Momma's moment of peace and tranquility was shattered by the twins' chaos, who immediately demanded food as soon as they hit the grass.
I sure do hope they remember to get Momma some flowers for Mother's Day, which is right around the corner.

"Remember when you prayed for the things you have now."
Unknown author

04/24/2026

Hello, to all my awesome peeps!

So let's take a minute to reflect on "Earth Day."
Why is something so important spotlighted only once a year?
Think about it. This rock we live on, hurling through space and relying on the Sun for warmth and life, gets only one day in the spotlight each year.
Here's an idea: put your money where your mouth is and make a difference! Volunteer at a wildlife rehabber, and bring trash pickers when you go to a nature preserve.
And if you see something, say something! If there's a development underway, make sure critters are cared for and relocated properly. If a tree is cut down and there's a raptor nest, be sure the orphans go to a licensed, reputable rehabber.
The Owlet pictured was orphaned after the tree with its nest was cut down, and get this, the property owner does not want the rehabbed Owls returned. It was an honor to volunteer to clean their enclosure and temporarily move the owlets out so we could safely clean it.

"In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, strive to remain authentic and genuine."
Airboat Photographer (John Ruggeri)